Pelham’s holiday lineup: parade, ice skating + where to spot Santa’s fire truck

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Ready for a little holiday magic? The city of Pelham is bringing back its hometown Christmas parade, free ice skating and plenty of festive fun like a Snowman Trail and Santa sightings throughout the season.

Here’s a look at what’s planned, including a behind-the-scenes peek at the beloved “A Pelham Hometown Christmas,” returning for its sixth year.

A Pelham Hometown Christmas: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026

_{Pelham’s annual Christmas Parade is for all ages. (City of Pelham)}

A Pelham Hometown Christmas is back for its sixth year, and it’s bringing an afternoon of spirited entertainment, a Christmas parade and plenty of jolly traditions to the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena.

Months of planning go into the festivities, and Melissa Leverett of Pelham Strong has been part of the behind-the-scenes action since the event began in 2021 when it was a parade only.

“One of my favorite parts of parade day is seeing all the floats for the first time. This year’s theme is ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas,’ so I am really excited to see what everyone comes up with! The creativity, thought and hard work that go into them never disappoint.”

Melissa Leverett, Pelham Strong

Here’s what to know about A Pelham Hometown Christmas:

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 | 2:30PM–9PM
• Where: Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
• Cost: FREE
• Schedule:
  • 2:30PM: Candy Cane Lane opens
  • 5PM: Pelham Christmas Parade 
  • 6:30PM: Tree Lighting
  • 7PM: More festivities, including FREE ice skating for kids 10 and under, Santa photos, cookies, cider + hot chocolate
• Get more info + event updates

Parade tip: Arrive early to claim the perfect viewing spot! The parade starts on Pelham Park Blvd, heads north on Hwy 31, turns east on Amphitheater Rd and wraps up at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena.

More 2026 holiday events in Pelham

Snowmen in the Park: Dec. 13–25, 2026

_{Pelham’s Snowman Trail is the perfect winter activity. (City of Pelham)}

Love the enchantment of Frosty the Snowman but not seeing any flakes in our forecast? You can bring a little winter cheer to Pelham this season, no snow required!

Pelham B.E.A.T. (Beautification, Entertainment & Arts Team, Inc.) is inviting residents, businesses and groups to decorate their own five-foot wooden snowman for the 2026 Snowman Trail.

Each creation will be judged at the Sunday, Dec. 13 kickoff celebration, which will include Christmas carols, food trucks serving hot beverages and a visit from The Grinch.

Visit the Snowman Trail:

• Opening Celebration: Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026 | 6PM
• Open to public: Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026–Friday, Dec. 25, 2026
• Where: Pelham City Park, 555 Ball Park Rd, Pelham, AL 35124

Participate in Snowmen in the Park 2026:

• Sign up: Email pelhambeat@gmail.com to purchase a snowman.
• Cost: $100 for a 5-ft plywood snowman to decorate + display along the trail.
• Purchase deadline: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026
• Installation + decoration: Monday, Dec. 7, 2026–Friday, Dec. 11, 2026
• Judging: Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026 | 6PM

Christmas in Pelham Ice Show: Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026

The Pelham Civic Complex + Ice Arena gets some holiday sparkle this season with its annual Ice Show. Watch skaters from Pelham Skate School and the competitive Birmingham Figure Skating Club glide, spin and show off their skills in this seasonal showcase.

• When: Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026 | 5:30PM–7:30PM
• Where: Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
• Cost: $12 | FREE for kids ages 5 and under 
• Tickets: Available at door or by emailing Christian Newberry at cnewberry@pelhamalabama.gov

142 Santa Stops in Pelham: Thursday, Dec. 24, 2026

On Christmas Eve, Santa will trade his reindeer-led sleigh for a dazzling fire truck as the Pelham Fire Department makes its way to 142 scheduled stops across town. This is a chance for families to catch a glimpse of the big guy before his big night around the world. Plus, it’s free!

• When: Thursday, Dec. 24, 2026 | 4PM–8PM
• Good to know: Stops may be paused if the fire department responds to an emergency. Check the official Santa Stops schedule for route details + updates.
• Cost: FREE
• More details

How you can give back in Pelham this holiday season

Looking for ways to give back this season? Here are two ways you can:

• Pelham Public Library Stocking Stuffer Drive: Donate kid-friendly treats, small toys, winter accessories, toiletries or $5 gift cards through Dec. 3. Donations benefit Vineyard Family Services’ Backpack Buddy Program.
  • Donation drop off: 2000 Pelham Park Blvd, Pelham, AL 35124

• Shelby County Toy Drive: Pelham Strong’s annual toy drive runs Nov. 20–Dec. 13, providing Christmas gifts to children + families in Shelby County.
  • Donation drop off: Contact pelhamstrong35124@gmail.com for a full list of locations.

Explore more events with the City of Pelham + keep the holiday excitement going.

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